GM Plans To Market Volt Car In 2010 For Below $30,000-Report

[AndrewGS]

They need to start a reservation program like smart did with the fortwo.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

So will they be selling at a loss then?
Probably still a good thing. The Volt needs to be affordable.

Because this article contained Jim Press's quote concerning Prius developmental subsidies the remarks by Mr. Lutz have been largely overlooked that would pertain here.

Remember, this is from 17 - 24 March 08.

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/...508_page_2.htm

But even the plug-ins Lutz is championing could face resistance in the marketplace because of price.

GM's Chevy Volt, first unveiled as a concept in January, 2007, can go 40 to 50 miles on a single charge of a lithium ion battery,
and then a gas motor kicks in to move the car and recharge the battery at once.
*

The company once targeted $30,000 as the price for a Chevy Volt.
*
But the cost of developing the technology is making that an unreachable dream.
*
Lutz now figures a more realistic price for the Volt would be about $48,000.
*
He reckons that $40,000 might be possible, without making any profit.
*
Only government tax incentives could take the price tag nearer to $30,000

.

[ghughes]

If there are any mechanical issues the press will be waiting in the weeds to scream american cars are crap, again. I can see it now, " why cant GM make a quality electric car? The Prius is trouble-free and we cant stress that enough".

[windvale]

GM dealers will jack the price of this thing to over 40K no problem...

[E. Haskell]

Originally Posted by genjy

The base 2008 Prius is $21k MSRP.

The newly created base Prius is $21,500 (+$715 destination charge), but Toyota stripped numerous features off to get that price.

Judging by what I see at Prius chat and on dealer lots, most people go with the Touring model (the previous base model) which is $23,770 + $715 = $24,485.

When GM releases pricing, they usually include the destination charge. For example, the "under $30k" G8 GT is advertised at $29,995, but $685 of that is the destination charge.

I wonder why domestics include this charge and imports don't? It seems like domestic vehicles would seem more appealing with $600-700 chopped off the advertised price.

[CadiEldo67]

Thats would be excellent if it starts at around 30K. Shouldn't there be some sort of tax credit available to buyers? I thought I heard of one for the Prius a few years ago, and this is American technology, without the help of the American government, therefore, the Government should give a bigger rebate.

[NfamousZ24]

Did I mention I will lease the Volt, So 2 years later you can buy my used Volt.

[uncledestroy]

Originally Posted by cincygoblue

At $30,000 what excuse is there for most people NOT to buy one?

Well, it wouldn't make sense to buy one if you couldn't afford it. If you need a car for a job, and can only afford a $15,000 car with poor mileage, then it is smart to buy that car even if it is more expensive in the long run.

Spending more upfront to save money down the line is not always rational.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

The newly created base Prius is $21,500 (+$715 destination charge), but Toyota stripped numerous features off to get that price.

Judging by what I see at Prius chat and on dealer lots, most people go with the Touring model (the previous base model) which is $23,770 + $715 = $24,485.

When GM releases pricing, they usually include the destination charge. For example, the "under $30k" G8 GT is advertised at $29,995, but $685 of that is the destination charge.

I wonder why domestics include this charge and imports don't? It seems like domestic vehicles would seem more appealing with $600-700 chopped off the advertised price.

Because people freaking hate it when they go to buy a car and find out that it will cost maybe $700 over the advertised price. Luckily, toyota decided not to include their destination charge in corolla advertising. I might be driving a corolla if my parents hadn't gotten pissed over the extra charges and fees that drove a $14,000 car up to $19,000.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by lio45

If the "General of Engine" is able to price the Volt below $30k, I can't see it not being a success. That's good news.

Aren't Wagoner and Lutz contradicting each other publicly, though? I seem to recall Lutz saying "don't expect the Volt under $40k" or something like that not too long ago.

It's a very common sales tactic called shooting the buyer to the ceiling. 'Sir, with $4572 down I can get you just under $500 a month for this $21,237 Malibu. Just initial here.'...

Lutz is salesperson No 1 at GM. "So if I understand you here, if I can keep you under $39872 on this new Volt you'll go ahead and leave a deposit today? Am I right?'

It's a lot easier to 'peel a buyer off the ceiling' than to keep 'bumping him up'.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by CadiEldo67

Thats would be excellent if it starts at around 30K. Shouldn't there be some sort of tax credit available to buyers? I thought I heard of one for the Prius a few years ago, and this is American technology, without the help of the American government, therefore, the Government should give a bigger rebate.

If the current proposal in Congress goes through there should be at least a $3000 tax credit for all PHEVs and E-REVs.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by lio45

Aren't Wagoner and Lutz contradicting each other publicly, though? I seem to recall Lutz saying "don't expect the Volt under $40k" or something like that not too long ago.

Nope - not if you read a correct translation of Mr. Wagoner's remarks.

[lio45]

Originally Posted by AMERICA 123

Nope - not if you read a correct translation of Mr. Wagoner's remarks.

How can even a crappy automatic translator mess with this sentence enough to significantly alter the meaning?

"GM has a completely clear goal: We want to bring the Volt on the market to a price of less than 30,000 dollars to 2010"

Do you have a "correct translation" to show us?